Intermediate Session
Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Luke 16:19-31
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God of compassion,
you want all your children to have enough to eat and a place to call home.
Help us to remember and care for those in need.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is justice for the poor. To begin invite the children to write a headline for a newspaper story about children who do not have enough to eat. Provide each child with a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. When they finish, invite the children to share their headline with the large group. Discuss:
- Why do some children live in poverty?
- Why do some people have too much to eat while others go hungry?
- What did Jesus teach about caring for the poor?
Allow time for discussion. Jesus saw the value of all God’s children. If one child does not have enough food to eat or a place to live, we all suffer as part of God’s family.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to how the people forget the needs of the poor.
Read Amos 6:1a, 4-7.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why do the people forget the needs of the poor?
- What does Amos warn against?
- What will happen to the people who lounge and eat?
In the Gospel today listen to a parable about a poor man named Lazarus.
Read Luke 16:19-31.
Allow for silence.
- What does the poor man in the story do?
- Why does the rich man ignore Lazarus?
- What happens to the rich man after he dies?
- What happens to Lazarus after he dies?
- What message does Jesus teach with this story?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings.
In the Old Testament reading today the prophet Amos warns the self-satisfied that they are headed for destruction. The wealthy who ignore God’s demand for justice will be the first to go into exile. In this reading, the rich are called to task because they are blinded by their comforts. They do not see the needs of others. The people close their hearts to compassion, which earns them destruction.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells a parable about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. In the story Lazarus is hungry, sick, and crippled and he cries out to the rich man for help. Lazarus receives no mercy from the rich man who ignores him. Comfortable with his abundance, the rich man does not notice the beggar at his feet.
After death, the fortunes of the two are reversed. Lazarus rests “in the bosom of Abraham,” while the rich man suffers. The rich man is condemned for his hardness of heart.
This Gospel makes the point that caring for the poor is the responsibility of all God’s people. Compassionate concern for the poor leads to life everlasting.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus tell you about caring for the poor?
- Why are poor people ignored sometimes?
- When have you seen poor people treated with compassion?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Social Justice: Part II
Catholic social teaching on justice acknowledges that sinful inequalities affect millions of people throughout the world. These unfair conditions keep people from having what they need to live healthy lives. This inequality goes against Jesus’ gospel message.
As Catholic Christians, we are called to work for justice. It is our responsibility to fight against the unequal conditions that cause poverty. Catholic social teaching reminds us to never become so comfortable with what we have that we forget the needs of the poor.
- How can you learn more about the causes of poverty?
- Why is it important to care for the poor?
- How can you help fight the causes of poverty?
The Gospel in Life
How can you find out about groups that perform service for people in your area who are living in poverty?
Connection to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 13
Grade 4, chapter 22
Grade 5, chapter 23
Grade 6, chapter 22